Final Fantasy is one of my favorite franchises ever. We all know that Square-Enix is already working on Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3, but I'm also pretty sure that they're also working (or at least planning) the next mainline game, which will be the 17th game in the series.

FF16 released in 2023, so I suspect after Remake Part 3 we will begin to hear something about it. Here are my thoughts:

- Gameplay: XV and XVI had more action-based combat, but people are asking for the return of turn-based gameplay for ages, and the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 could very well impact Square-Enix. I suspect it will still be action oriented, but we will see.

- Platforms: At this rate, it's pretty clear XVII will release on next-gen systems (PS6, Xbox Helix, PC), or at the very least, it will be cross-gen. Since Square usually pushes the limits with their mainline FFs, I expect it to focus on next-gen hardware.

- Online: I'm not going to lie, I will be VERY disappointed if XVII is an online game like XI and XIV. The reason I play FF is to enjoy a single-player experience, with focus on narrative and intense moments. That said, I don't EXPECT it to be online focused, but I could be wrong.

So, what do you expect for the next mainline Final Fantasy game?

Cross-gen. Helix will already be out and PS6 might be, but cross-gen became even more popular this gen than it has ever been.
I'm expecting a turn-based game. I know it will have been over 25 years, but FF is at a crossroads. What does Square Enix have to lose?
It will be a multi-platform and PC game. There might be somewhat of a delay in versions possibly, but it will be transparent before release.
Likely platforms: PS5, PS6, PC, Xbox Helix
Possible: Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2. These aren't overly likely as Series S and Switch 2 are bottlenecks.
Broad Release Estimate: Not before September 2028, not after November 2030.

Cross gen. It will be a 2030 release, one or two years after FF VII Part 3